US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressed a US peace plan during talks with top European officials in Paris, France, as President Emmanuel Macron's office described the discussions as a "positive process".
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/18/world/americas-emea/france-hails-positive-process-as-europe-us-discuss-ukraine-ceasefire/2094861US President Trump confirmed that talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping have taken place, despite being cagey about direct communication. The escalation of tariffs between the two countries has unnerved global markets. Trump expressed confidence in making a good deal with China, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House for talks aimed at ending US tariffs on the European Union.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/trump-says-us-talking-to-china-on-tariffs-8191868Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, where they discussed potential trade deals and shared views on immigration and "woke" ideology. Trump expressed confidence in reaching a deal with the EU but was in no rush, while also criticizing Europe's handling of immigration and defense spending. The two leaders touched on Russia's war in Ukraine, with Meloni being a strong ally of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump has criticized. Meloni's visit aims to pave the way for a meeting between Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, but some EU allies are concerned it could undermine bloc unity.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/18/italian-pm-meloni-woos-trump-at-white-house-vows-to-make-the-west-great-again-amid-hope-for-eu-tariffs-deal/173514US President Trump has expressed interest in making a deal with China, following the imposition of tariffs by both countries. He also criticized Europe's immigration policies and defense spending on NATO, while reiterating his criticism of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Trump to discuss potential trade agreements, which has raised concerns among EU allies about undermining bloc unity. The US leader will host Vice President JD Vance in Rome after meeting with Meloni, who aims to pave the way for a meeting between Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/trump-and-italys-meloni-talk-up-eu-tariff-deal-hopes/article_8a650b52-aa94-5a80-a924-19a383a6431a.htmlUkraine's Deputy Prime Minister has announced plans with the US to establish an investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, aiming to inject significant funds and modernize Ukrainian infrastructure, as part of a joint agreement between their teams.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965084-step-towards-agreement-us-ukraine-sign-memorandum-on-mineral-resources-agreementThe US government will impose fees on Chinese-built ships visiting the US, starting October 14, with rates increasing over three years. The fees are based on net tonnage or containers unloaded, and range from $18 to $250 per container. Non-Chinese shipping companies have an advantage due to lower rates. The move aims to revive US shipbuilding and strengthen naval readiness, with bipartisan support from unions and opposition from the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/18/us-exempts-domestic-carriers-softening-blow-after-slapping-new-port-fees-on-chinese-ships-to-curb-beijings-dominance/173516The US has proposed imposing levies on Chinese vessels docking at US ports, with fees based on cargo volume, amid a trade war escalation between the two biggest economies. The plan follows an investigation into Chinese shipbuilding's impact on US national security, led by Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/18/us-china-ships-port-fees/The US Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing new tariffs on Chinese vessels and equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling gear, as part of President's Maritime Executive Order. The first phase will increase fees for China-based vessel owners and operators based on net tonnage per U.S. voyage, with incremental increases over the next few years. Incentives are also offered to U.S.-built car carrier vessels, while foreign-built car carriers will face fees based on capacity.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ustr-proposes-fees-on-chinese-ships-docking-at-u-s-ports-1034597918Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham emphasized the importance of the Partnership for Green Growth (P4G) as a catalyst for testing innovative policies, particularly through public-private partnerships and bridging support between developed and developing nations. He called for global unity under the principle "what is said is done, what is committed is implemented" and urged developed nations to share capital, technology, and governance expertise with emerging economies. The summit saw rich exchanges on green transition's challenges and pathways for innovation, with a focus on practical solutions such as credit guarantee schemes, green finance, and carbon neutrality roadmaps. Notably, South Korea pledged continued financial support for P4G projects into 2025, further strengthening the collaborative framework.
https://opengovasia.com/2025/04/17/vietnam-champions-people-first-sustainable-transformation/